Indonesia to Block Pornographic, Violent Websites
Public had asked government to block the sites.
By: Sherri L. Shaulis
Posted: 03/25/2008
JAKARTA, Indonesia
- Parliament passed a new information bill this week that will restrict access
to pornographic and violent websites.
Anyone found guilty of transmitting pornographic material,
false news or racial and religious hate messages on the Internet could face up
to six years in prison or a fine of 1 billion rupiah ($109,000).
Pornography has been a topic of debate for years in Indonesia,
where the population is mostly Muslim.
"I think we all agree there's no way we can save this nation
by spreading pornography, violence and ethnic hostility," Information Minister
Mohammad Nuh told reporters.
Members of the public reportedly asked the government to
block sites with pornographic or violent content. The request was essentially
granted with the passage of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law,
which will allow courts to accept electronic material as evidence in cases involving
Internet abuse.
Officials said the government plans to start implementing
restrictions on sites containing banned material as early as April.
Software for blocking sites will be available for download at
the ministry's website, DepKomInfo.go.id.
